Ecotourism

Responsible travel to natural areas which conserves the

environment and sustains the well being of local people.

Generally Ecotourism refers to two criteria:

environmentally responsible and
socially and culturally sound.
 Characteristics of ecotourism
Small groups of visitors
Rural
.Eco-marketing activities
High price with purpose of filtering the market
Little impact on the natural environment
Limited possibilities of control
Management based on local economic principles
Personalized relationships between visitors and
local community
Local development objectives
Loyalty in the process of training and education
for appropriate conduct for the natural
environment
Reduced development of tourism facilities
( Distinct characteristics between mass tourism and ecotourism)
Characteristics of mass tourism
Large groups of visitors
Urban
Touristic general marketing activities
Average prices for purposes of market
penetration
Impact on natural environment
Advanced control options
Management based on macroeconomic principles
Anonymous relationship between visitors and
local community
General development goals
Behavior-oriented leisure
activities/entertainment, opponents to education
and training actions
Intensive development of tourism facilities
 Standards of ecotourism
1. Protection of the Ecosystem
a. Maintenance of the ecosystem where the ecotourism attraction is located.
b. Protection and maintenance of wildlife especially endangered species .
c. Wildlife live harmoniously with people.

2. Maintenance of the physico-chemical conditions of the area .

a. Maintenance of the quality of fresh water and marine resources .
b. No wastes overflow and contamination of the environment (water, soil and air).
3. Conservation of local culture and history .
a. Culture of locality is maintained.
b. Historical structures are maintained as part of cultural heritage.

4. Infrastructures and signboards blend with the environment.

5. Sustainability .
a. Maintenance of Carrying Capacity of the environment.

b. Environmental education program is part of the ecotourism package.

c. Livelihood must benefit more the local community than outside entrepreneurs.

d. The local government supports the ecotourism project through ordinances and
resolutions; and

e. The Management Board (community-based) and appropriate government

agencies, support the project through strict enforcement of environmental laws .

f. Experience and product management should follow principles and practices

associated with ecological, socio-cultural and economic sustainability.
 Environmental impacts
Direct costs Direct benefits
Danger that environmental carrying capacities Provides incentive to protect environment, .1
:will be unintentionally exceeded, due to both formally (protected areas) and informally

Rapid growth rates .1 Provides incentive for restoration and .2

Difficulties in identifying, measuring and .2
monitoring impacts over a long period
Idea that all tourism induces stress .3
conversion of modified habitats
Eco tourists actively assisting in habitat .3
enhancement (donations, policing, maintenance,
etc.)

Indirect costs Indirect benefits

Fragile areas may be exposed to less benign.1 Exposure to ecotourism fosters broader .1
forms of tourism (pioneer function) commitment to environmental well-being

May foster tendencies to put financial value on .2 Space protected because of ecotourism .2
nature, depending upon attractiveness provide various environmental benefits
 Economic impacts
Direct costs Direct benefits
Start – up expenses (acquisition of land,.1 Revenues obtained directly from Eco tourists .1
establishment of protected areas,
superstructure, infrastructure) Creation of direct employment opportunities .2

ongoing expenses (maintenance of .2 Strong potential for linkages with other sectors .3
infrastructure, promotion, wages) of the local economy

Stimulation of peripheral rural economies .4

Indirect costs Indirect benefits

Revenue uncertainties to in situ nature if .1 Indirect revenues from Eco tourists (high .1
consumption multiplier effect)

Revenue leakages due to imports, expatriate .2 Tendency of Eco tourists to patronize cultural .2
.or non-local participation, etc ’and heritage attractions as ‘add-ons

Opportunity costs .3 Economic benefits from sustainable use of .3

protected areas and inherent existence
Damage to crops by wildlife .4
 Sociocultural impacts
Direct costs Direct benefits
Intrusions upon local and possibly isolated .1 Ecotourism accessible to a broad spectrum of .1
cultures the population
imposition of elite alien value system .2 Aesthetic/spiritual element of experiences .2

Displacement of local cultures by parks .3 Foster environmental awareness among Eco .3

tourists and local population
Erosion of local control (foreign experts, in- .4
.migration of job seekers)
Indirect costs Indirect benefits
Potential resentment and antagonism of locals .1 Option and existence benefits

Tourist opposition to aspects of local culture .2

.(e.g. hunting)